Page 7 of The Darkest Note

“They’re professionals?” I wonder. It would explain why they got preferential treatment. Although they seem a little young to be famous rockstars.

Her jaw drops. “Do you really not know?”

I shrug. Between taking care of Viola, working, and keeping up with school, I don’t have time to keep up with the latest trends.

“They’reamazing. Their singles have, legit, gone viral. Plus they’re Jarod Cross’s kids.”

“Who—”

“If you don’t know who Jarod Cross is I will literally smack you across the face,” my best friend threatens.

I frown at her. “Of course I know who Jarod Cross is. What I wasgoingto say is who cares? They’re a bunch of rich, entitled musicians with a famous dad. Does that give them a right to show up late and hold up the entire show?”

Yeah, I’m still not over that.

“Their dad practically owns this school.” She blinks. “Out of everyone at Redwood Prep, they’re the only ones who have the right to do whatever they want.”

A rolling electric guitar riff screams from the building. Breeze whips around, her eyes bright. “Oh my gosh! They’re starting!”

“You go ahead. I’ll take off now.”

“What?” Her jaw falls in disappointment. “You’re not going to stay? I guarantee you’re going to love their set. They’re amazing.”

“Viola’s home alone,” I tell her. My little sister is thirteen going on thirty-five, but I still don’t like it when she’s alone with no supervision.

Her bottom lip trembles. “Okay. I’ll come with you.”

There’s not a bone in her body that means that.

I let her off the hook. “It’s okay. You stay.”

“Really?” She squeals.

I nod.

Breeze jumps on me and hooks her arm around my neck. “Best best friendever!”

I watch her scurry inside and turn to face Redwood Prep’s sprawling courtyard. The school is as big as a college campus and twice as distinguished.

I rip my wig off and turn back into the Cinderella with rags.

* * *

Unknown Number: Nice wig, New Girl. But friendly advice, you might want to leave that on until you clear the campus. If not, I won’t be the only one who knows your secrets.

Unknown Number: Call me Jinx, by the way. Welcome to Redwood Prep. And good luck. You’re gonna need it.

CHAPTERTWO

— SEPTEMBER, ONE MONTH LATER—

DUTCH

“You got it wrong. We took your deal to piss off our dad. Not because we’re stupid.”

Finn catches my eye.

I shake my head and throw the phone, still murmuring dollar amounts and empty flattery, over to my brother.